Location The Inn at Whitewell is located in one of England's 36 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) on the Duchy of Lancaster estate overlooking the River Hodder in the Forest of Bowland, Lancashire. This charming 14th century inn is easily accessible from the M6 motorway with Lancaster being 18 miles to the north and Preston …
After a traditional Lancashire breakfast at The Inn at Whitewell we were soon ready to see more of the beautiful Ribble Valley. Our first stop of the day was just up the road in the charming small village of Chipping. Narrow winding country lanes lead into the village centre, its attractive stone cottages bedecked with …
Continue reading Day 2. Continuing our visit to the Ribble Valley
The Ribble Valley is an idyllic part of the north of England located in north east Lancashire and covering 212 sq. miles of the Forest of Bowland, an area of deep valleys and peat moorland. It's an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty but despite booming tourism with ever increasing numbers of visitors, it's still a …
Location This handsome stone inn stands proudly in the small village of Ben Rhydding set amid leafy lanes and in the shadow of the famous Cow & Calf Rocks on Ilkley Moor. The hotel lies 18 miles north west of Leeds and just one mile from the Victorian spa town of Ilkley which oozes charm …
It was a long time since I last visited Hebden Bridge, a small market town nestled in the south Pennines, eight miles from Halifax. We travelled there by car, making our first stop at Shibden Hall one mile outside Halifax. This half timbered Tudor fronted house dating from 1420 is set in Shibden Park covering …
After enjoying a relaxing breakfast in our idyllic Garden Room accommodation at Cheshire Boutique Barns, we set off for Northwich, 22 miles to the north. On our way we made a brief stop at Nantwich Marina where we had hoped to take a stroll along the towpath of the Shropshire Union canal but the weather …
Continue reading Day 2. The Lion Salt Works and Anderton Boat Lift, Northwich Cheshire
We woke to some lovely spring sunshine and started our day with a hearty breakfast at a window table of the hotel's restaurant overlooking the marina. As we tucked into our delicious breakfasts we watched the crew of one yacht preparing to set sail. The buffet had an excellent choice of hot and cold dishes …
Continue reading Day 2. Visiting The Deep in Hull and dining at Ambiente
The sun was shining through the windows as we drew back the curtains which was a good start to the day. After a hearty breakfast in the hotel's restaurant we wrapped up warm and walked along the now familiar route to the Meadows Way West tram stop. Instead of taking a tram into the city …
Continue reading Day 3. Nottingham’s University and Arboretum
Our day started with a hearty breakfast in the hotel's restaurant and a glance at the morning newspapers. We then wrapped up warm before setting off for a walk along the canal towpath. The Nottingham and Beeston canal runs through the city centre and was just a few minutes walk from the Holiday Inn. Before …
Nottingham is often referred to as the 'Queen of the East Midlands' because the English kings held court there when they went hunting in its surrounding forests. It's also famous for the legendary Robin Hood so we thought it was about time that we explored the city for ourselves. Nottingham is easily accessible from all …
Continue reading Day 1. Nottingham – how to enjoy a perfect weekend break
